Thursday, December 25, 2008

The City has received an updated Mud Alert from the County of Los Angeles Public Works Department indicating there is a “no phase” Mud Forecast. The City of Sierra Madre is downgrading it’s Yellow Flag to a Green Flag Alert at this time. The National Weather Service is forecasting 50% chance of precipitation for tonight.

It is still recommended that residents stay ready for the possibility of rain events that could cause mud and debris to flow in the affected areas. The affected areas that were identified by the County’s previous alerts where as follows:

The City has received an updated Mud Alert from the County of Los Angeles Public Works Department indicating a Phase 1 Mud Forecast. This Yellow Flag Alert replaces the Red Flag Alert that has been in effect since yesterday morning. The National Weather Service is forecasting 60% chance of precipitation today that transitions into 30% chance of precipitation for tonight.

It is still recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for possible mudflows:

Should mudflow occur, the Sierra Madre Public Works Department will begin cleanup activities on Friday, December 26, with the first priority to get the streets open.

The barrier across Brookside Lane and Woodland Drive has been removed this morning. The barrier will be replaced if deemed necessary and in that event, vehicular access to Upper Brookside Lane and Upper Woodland Drive will be closed.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Red Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The Los Angels County Public Works Department issued a Phase 2 Mud Alert at 8:16 this morning. A Phase 2 Alert indicates the potential for moderate mud flow in affected areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting an 80% chance of rain in Sierra Madre today and a 90% chance this evening, December 24, 2008. The National Weather Service has also issued a Flash Flood Watch for the area beginning at 4:00 PM and continuing through Thursday morning. Heavy rainfall is predicted to begin at 4:00PM today (Wednesday) and continue through 4:00AM Christmas morning with lower chance of rain to clear by Friday morning. The predicted storm total is 2.9 inches or more.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre spoke this morning with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works who is expecting a Phase 1, possibly a Phase 2 mudflow prediction for Christmas Eve. LACDPW will not actually make the forecast until the National Weather Service provides a more accurate rainfall estimate for the area.

Currently the rainfall range is 2-3 inches tomorrow, 12/24 through Thursday, 12/25. In the case of mud and/or debris flow the City will clean up the streets as soon as possible once the rain stops and it is safe for crews to enter the mud areas. This may mean that clean-up efforts may not begin until after the holiday.

The City urges all residents in the potential mud flow areas to be prepared for heavy rains and to stay tuned to the City alerts via email, flags, electronic billboards, the City website at www.cityofsierramadre.com and the Emergency blog at http://www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.

In the mean time the City of Sierra Madre wishes you and your family safe and happy holidays.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Today’s National Weather Service forecast calls for 70% chance of rain, albeit the amount of rainfall should not exceed 0/3” in any 6 hour period.

The forecast for the week shows at least a 20% chance of rain every day through Christmas. If we do get rain every day, soil saturation levels may generate mud flow forecasts, so it may become necessary to go to Yellow later in the week.

For the time being, the City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for the week.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Los Angeles County of Public Works has removed the Phase 1 mudflow alert and the National Weather Service is not predicting any chance of precipitation for today, Thursday, December 18, 2008. Therefore, the City of Sierra Madre has removed all flag alerts at this time.

The City would like to express their gratitude to the residents for their patience and diligence during this latest rain event.

The National Weather Service is predicting a slight chance of rain in the next few days and the City would like everyone to keep an eye on weather reports and remain prepared for events in the future.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

LA County Department of Public Wprks’s 0730 debris and mudflow forecast remains at Phase 1 for the Santa Anita fire burn areas. Thus, Sierra Madre stays at a Yellow flag condition until further notice. This is in spite of only 0.01” of rain in the last 24 hours, as measured at the public safety facility. Continued Phase 1 is likely due to saturated nature of the slopes and National Weather Service forecast of 0.2-0.4” of rain per hour through 1600 today.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has issued a Phase 1 mudflow forecast for the Santa Anita Fire burn areas.

Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts. Overnight parking restrictions will be lifted through out the City of Sierra Madre during Yellow & Red Flag Alerts.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com.

Monday, December 15, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. There is still a 20% change of rain through this evening and residents are encouraged remain diligent. The National Weather Service has also posted a 40% chance of rain for tomorrow (Tuesday 12/15/08) day and 60% chance of rain for tomorrow evening.

City officials and staff would once again like to thank the residents for their continued preparations and cooperation during this mud threat.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The National Weather Service is saying light rain will start at 4 pm today, turning to heavy rain at 10 pm. NWS has issued a flash flood watch.

Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. There is still a 60% change of rain through this evening and residents are encouraged remain diligent.

City officials and staff would like to thank the residents for their continued preparations and cooperation during this mud threat.

Stay tuned for the monthly Mud Preparation Newsletters and Community Mud Meetings. The next meeting will be Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

Should there be more rain and mud flow, the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible. However, depending on the amount of rainfall and debris, streets may not be accessible before the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

All homeowners are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their homes. Sand and bags will be available at the Public Works Yard (621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.) and the Fire Station (232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.). Able bodied volunteers not living in the potential mud flow areas are encouraged to help fill sandbags. Those interested in assisting with sandbags should contact James Carlson or Suzi McConnell at 626-355-7135.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting a 90% chance of rain in Sierra Madre on Tuesday and a 70% chance on Wednesday, November 25 and 26, 2008. The quantity of precipitation is over 2” for Tuesday, decreasing on Wednesday.

Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible. However, depending on the amount of rainfall and debris, streets may not be accessible before the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

All homeowners are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their homes. Sand and bags will be available at the Public Works Yard (621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.) and the Fire Station (232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.). Able bodied volunteers not living in the potential mud flow areas are encouraged to help fill sandbags. Those interested in assisting with sandbags should contact James Carlson or Suzi McConnell at 626-355-7135.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.

Monday, November 24, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting a 90% chance of rain in Sierra Madre on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 25 and 26, 2008. The quantity of precipitation is over 2” for Tuesday, decreasing sharply for Wednesday.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible. However, depending on the amount of rainfall and debris, streets may not be accessible before the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

All homeowners are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their homes. Sand and bags will be available at the Public Works Yard (621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.) and the Fire Station (232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.). Able bodied volunteers not living in the potential mud flow areas are encouraged to help fill sandbags. Those interested in assisting with sandbags should contact James Carlson or Suzi McConnell at 626-355-7135.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.

Background on the Sierra Madre Mud Alert System:

A series of three different colored flags will be flown at four different locations in the City (City Hall, Search and Rescue, Mountain Trail and Churchill Road, and Mary’s Market). When possible, flags will be displayed indicating one of three stages of emergency. Be sure to check the website, email alerts, SMTV3 or simply call City Hall or the Police Department to confirm the current stage of emergency and please understand the City may not always have the ability to change these flags.

Stage One: GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

Stage Two: YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Stage Three: RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

A yellow or red flag may also trigger vehicles being towed from designated streets at the owners’ expense. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, and Holly Trail. The City is working to have these vehicles towed to local lots, please look to future mud newsletters for further details.

The Red Flag “GO” will trigger Information Check-in Centers to be opened at both Sierra Madre Public School Campuses. (160 N. Canon Ave. & 141 W. Highland Ave.) If you evacuate, please notify the Check-In Center so that we know you are safely out and have contact information to ensure you have timely notice of when it is safe to go back into your home. Additional information on Evacuation Shelters and pet lodging will be available at these locations. When evacuating, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Between 2:10 AM and 4:15 AM, there were periods of light, but steady rain. As of the most recent Canyon Zone check, the rain has ended and no obvious concerns were noted by patrol personnel.

As of 4:41 AM, no weather related service calls or reports of concerns have been received from the Canyon Zone or reported by the patrol personnel.

The situation will be monitored and a determination to lift the ‘green’ alert will occur later this morning, as a flash flood alert is still in force, between fire, police and, as needed, other emergency services personnel of the City.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Check out the October Mud Newsletter for information on the new READY, SET, GO flag notification system, evacuation information, and more. http://www.cityofsierramadre.com/includes/tng/pub/tNG_download4.php?KT_download1=5683a33ec17f68d004e146c3378fbac4

Thursday, July 10, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre would like to remind all residents that there is still a serious risk of mudslides, and the National Weather Service forecasts a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms this weekend.

The May 22-24 storms that resulted in approximately 1800 cy of mud on city streets was originally forecasted as a 20% chance of rain – and we all recall what happened then.

If you live in potentially affected areas, please prepare yourself! Sandbags are once again available at the Public Works Yard, 621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, behind Sierra Vista Park.

If you do not live in the affected areas and would like to assist your fellow community members by filling sandbags, please contact Suzi McConnel or James Carlson at 626-355-7135.

For updated weather and Public Safety Information, please visit http://cityofsierramadre.com/index.php?mod=city_article&id=89.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

We are all thankful that the wildfire of April 2008 did not result in the loss of life or property for Sierra Madre residents, and grateful for the fine efforts of the firefighters and law enforcement officers that served to protect Sierra Madreans. They all worked together to get the City through the first phase of the classic one-two punch of California wildfires.

Phase two of the Santa Anita Fire will be the mudslides that could be upon us when the rainy season begins. The City’s Public Works Department is working with Los Angeles County Public Works (LACDPW) to prepare the community. Staff from LACDPW are visiting Sierra Madre residents in areas that will be effected by the mudslide potential. The purpose of these visits is to educate our residents and provide information critical for residents’ use in protecting themselves and minimizing mudslide damage to their properties.

Once the rainy season begins, the City’s limited resources will be hard-pressed to meet the demands of widespread mudslide events in the community. Thus, it is important that residents adjacent to the burn areas begin to protect their properties now. Information helpful to property owners is available at:

Persons of able body who do not live in areas susceptible to mud flow may volunteer in advance to assist in sandbagging and other emergency relief efforts this winter, by contacting Public Works staff members James Carlson or Suzi McConnell at 626.355.7135.

Please monitor the City’s website (cityofsierramadre.com) and SMTV Channel 3 for further information as we approach the rainy season.